Cape Town Science Center Activities in National Science Week

The Cape Town Science Center is celebrating National Science Week (NSW) with excursions, talks and activities from 28 July – 4 August. National Science Week is an initiative of the Department of Science and Technology, implemented by the South African Agency for Science and Technology Advancement. NSW promotes a greater awareness and appreciation of the contribution that science and technology makes to the nation.

Activities include:

An excursion to Palmiet Pumped Storage Scheme – 28 July

SKA – a new ruler for the stars, Dr Lindsay Magnus – 31 July

Friday Night Science ROCKS!– 3 August

Free entry Family Fun Day – 4 August

Career Planet Advice session – 4 August

SoundHouse Science Sessions– 4 August

Groote Schuur Engineering Works tour – 4 August

Heart of Cape Town Museum National Science Week special – 50% off!

Please note that the Cape Town Science Centre will be closed on Sunday 5 August 2012.

We’re celebrating science in South Africa and you’re invited!

Excursion to Palmiet Pumped Storage Scheme – Saturday 28 July,9:00–14:00A visit to Palmiet offers the opportunity to explore the fascinating world of hydroelectricity and discover the story behind the “switch” that turns on your lights and powers commerce and industry. Pumped storage hydroelectric schemes are used where water resources are scarce. Water that has been used to generate electricity, is pumped back to a storage reservoir so that it can be used again. Palmiet has a dual role. Not only does it generate 400 MW of peaking power into the Eskom National Grid, it is also part of an inter-catchment water project that transfers much needed water to Cape Town. The Palmiet Pumped Storage Hydroelectric Scheme is regarded as a forerunner in environmental engineering. It is located in the scenic and ecologically sensitive heart of the Cape Fynbos Plant Kingdom.

Bus leaves the CTSC at 9:00 and will return around 14:00.
Space is limited and booking is essential – e-mail to book your space now.

Science Out Loud public talk – Tuesday 31 July @ 18:30SKA – a new ruler for the stars, Dr Lindsay Magnus

The position of the earth in the cosmos has often been determined from our ability to measure things. From Aristotle’s view of an Earth centred universe, and through the ages, the improvements in our understanding have often been linked to the tools we have used to observe and measure. The SKA will bring the next step in our ability to observe the universe.This talk will be centred on how one measures the universe with radio waves and how these measurements will be used to test our understanding of how it all fits together. We will talk about the SKA in Africa and what we as South Africans can look forward to.

Please book to ensure your seat. E-mail Please note: As a courtesy to the speaker, the venue door will close at 18:30 and latecomers will regretfully not be admitted.

Friday Night Science ROCKS!– Friday 3 August, 17:00-20:00

Rock with us as we explore the science behind sound, after hours. FREE ENTRY to the CTSC!17:30 Science of Sound Science Show
18:00 School Band performance
19:00 ROLAND workshopTwo of South Africa’s leading musicians, Kyle Petersen and Safwaan Goodenough will take you through the high-end technological world of Roland Synths, Workstations, Samplers and Electronic Drum kits. They will be performing dance, electro and RnB tracks – as well as giving in-depth explanations of how you can achieve amazing results using Roland electronic music hardware. They will also be answering questions and giving the audience a chance to play on the Roland gear. This workshop is for everyone interested in cutting-edge live and studio music production.

All the gear for Friday Night Science ROCKS are kindly sponsored by Paul Bother Music and Roland SA.

Free entry Family Fun Day – Saturday 4 August, 9:00–16:30

Bring the whole family to join in the exciting exploration of all things science fun! FREE ENTRY to the CTSC!

Not sure which career to pursue? Thinking about your dream job but don’t know where to start of what school subjects to choose? Need advice on CV writing?The career gurus from Career Planet will be on hand from 9:00 – 15:00 to discuss any career, study or job-related questions you might have. All age groups welcome.

SoundHouse Science Sessions– Saturday 4 August, 11:00 & 13:00SoundHouse will offer two sessions free of charge to members of the public. Pair up with a partner and create a piece of digital music using SoundHouse software applications and recording devices. Wondering how music creativity is connected to maths, science and technology? Don’t miss this opportunity to find out for yourself!Session times: 11:00 & 13:00 (session duration: 45 minutes)E-mail SoundHouse to ensure your place. Walk-ins will be welcome to join on the day only if there are places available. www.soundhouse.co.za

Groote Schuur Engineering Works tour – Saturday 4 August, 10:00

Meet at the CTSC for a guided tour of the Groote Schuur Engineering works. Explore what happens behind the scenes of this large hospital, built in 1938 and famous for being the institution where the world’s first heart transplant took place.

Tour duration: 4 hours Space is limited to 20 people and booking is essential.E-mail to book your place now.

Heart of Cape Town Museum National Science Week special!

The drama of the world’s first heart transplant, led by Professor Christiaan Neethling Barnard, played out within the walls of the Charles Saint Theatre at Groote Schuur Hospital on 3 December 1967. The transplant, one of the greatest moments in medical history, was made possible by an extraordinary interplay of scientific dedication, human courage and generosity, and a timely chain of events. Today, The Heart of Cape Town Museum honours all those who played a major role in a surgical feat that pushed the boundaries of science into the dawn of a new medical era, an era in which it became possible to transplant the symbol of the essence of life our human heart.50% off normal entry fees on Saturday 4 August
Adults R50
Children R15
Pensioners R25Meet at the CTSC and take a stroll up the road to the Heart of Cape Town Museum to explore the miracle of the world’s first heart transplant.
Tours leave the CTSC at 10:30, 12:30 and 14:30.
For more information visit www.heartofcapetown.co.za

We are expecting a large number of visitors during National Science Week. Should you not be able to find parking in the front parking lot of the CTSC, please use the parking lot behind the CTSC – to get there, turn up Groote Schuur Drive, right at the stop street and continue straight through the gates. Please note that the Cape Town Science Centre will be closed on Sunday 5 August 2012.